Wednesday, July 1, 2009

What This Fourth Of July Means To This Detroit Michigan Firearms Instructor

As another Independence Day rapidly approaches, I am not happy about where our beloved country is headed on many fronts, but I can boast that I am a citizen of it. I truly believe that the 'good ole U.S. of A.' is the greatest nation on the planet despite the efforts of those who desire to make it just like the rest. If I wanted to be a citizen of a 'lesser' nation I would emigrate.

As a citizen, I have many rights that are enshrined in the Constitution as inalienable despite the best wishes of those who hate liberty. For example, I have the right to free speech and free expression, the right to keep and bear arms, the right to assembly, and many other rights that many around the globe do not have to enjoy and can't take for granted. In fact, many risk much - life and limb - just for the opportunity to seek a safe haven and refuge on our soil.

I so value freedom and the cause of liberty that I have become extremely active with respect to networking with other like-minded individuals and organizations to not only preserve the freedoms we have left but to fight to regain the ones we have lost. Along this journey I have met many fellow patriots and aspire to meet more. I am eternally grateful that others had joined this cause before my participation in it. For now, I can make my contribution. I have made many friends on the path and have earned the ire and wrath of others.

Fighting for freedom requires eternal vigilance and debating politics - such as gun rights - with either close minded folks or people who have no qualms about mischaracterizing (i.e. lying) about the issues. Some days, I actually get weary at the prospect of doing my part of all that is required to to be truly 'pro-freedom.'

But when I realize that failure is not an option, I march on. I march on for the future freedoms of my children. I march on for those who have not yet joined our cause but will later. I march on for the 'undecideds' who have until this juncture have failed to pick a side. I even march on for the anti-gunners and the freedom haters who have been deceived and have not yet discovered the truth.

Many think that folks who speak about guns, liberty, and freedom are anachronisms - crazy kooks still living in an era long past and irrelevant to what is happening today. To those folks, I would like to inform you that in this modern-day era we have in our country secret courts, secret judges, secret trials, no-fly lists, bank record snooping, domestic eavesdropping, calls for national ID cards, and numerous other aggregious offenses to the cause of freedom and liberty.

Today our rights are being sacrificed so that we can be safe. A often quoted statement by Ben Franklin quips that if we do that we truly deserve neither. Governments chip away at our rights for one reason: control. To accomplish their ends, they need a bogey-man. This concept is not old. Today, our nation fears terrorists in the Middle east. In the 1950's, an age of Mccarthyism whipped up fears about Communism. Further, our country got into the Vietnam War because of the flawed Domino Theory.

As a student in high school, I learned about fear mongering, populist appeals, propaganda, and lying governments. I was in disbelief as I read books such as 1984 and Animal Farm. No way could those things happen NOW in THIS country. It is a remarkable thing to see history repeat itself. I fear that younger generations aren't learning history and can not see what is happening today. The tactics that governments have used in the past to disenfranchise and enslave their citizens are still effective today.

As I glance in my inbox at a popular social networking site on the Internet, there are many invitations for various functions all over town for the upcoming holiday weekend. I wonder as people plan to have a good time over the next few days if they even know what is going on today. Yes, I am going to have some fun myself. This weekend is after all a celebration of our freedom and I would dishonor it by not having some fun - if only because I am free and I can.

However, I will still fight for the cause - freedom and liberty - this holiday weekend too. I will implore people to seek truth in all things, to look beyond the surface, to question what is being told to them, and to research the issues instead of reiterating what the mainstream media says.

If you by chance are ready to help preserve our freedoms, join us. You are free to determine the means and ways that you can make your contribution. Freedom is not free; we have to fight for it every day.

Thank you for that wonderful post. My sister-in-law linked to it on Facebook. I appreciate your love and respect of this wonderful country and your ability to see the truth, even when we are being sold a bill of rotten goods.I will check back often.

L.A.I.D. GEAR!

2014 CPL Class Special Deal!

Get Our Challenge Coin!

We provide FREE shooting lessons for women by selling our challenge coins to our followers who believe in our mission. Help us empower women with the skills necessary to protect themselves and their families from violent predators. Buy one now!

About Me

Rick Ector is a firearms safety and a personal protection expert. His company, "Rick's Firearm Academy of Detroit," specializes in providing Concealed Pistol License Training Classes for law-abiding citizens who have a desire to become more involved in both their own personal protection and the safety of their families.

Rick is both an appointed NRA Training Counselor and an appointed NRA Chief Range Safety Officer. He is credentialed by the NRA (National Rifle Association) to teach the following: Firearms Instructor Training, Range Safety Officer Training, Home Firearm Safety, Personal Protection (CCW/CPL), Basic Pistol, Basic Rifle, Basic Shotgun, Metallic Cartridge Reloading, and Shotgun Shell Reloading. Moreover, Rick is both a Life Member and a Membership Recruiter for the NRA.

Rick is also very active in the gun rights movement. As such, he networks with other gun rights activists, attends gun rights conventions, organizes open-carry meet-ups, and speaks at Detroit-area block club functions. He is a member of the following organizations: Rick's Firearm Academy Alumni, Black Gun Owners, the Association of Urban Shooters, and makes contributions to the nationally syndicated show entitled, "The Urban Shooter Podcast."

By the way, if you have a desire to learn more about crime prevention, self-defense, responsible gun ownership, and how to get a state of Michigan Concealed Pistol License subscribe to my FREE Michigan CCW Class e-Newsletter now!

My Blog List

Student Testimonials

"I recently attended Rick's class so that I could obtain my Michigan CPL. He is extremely professional, yet relaxed,
and kept the class interesting, exciting, and informative. He covered a lot of information regarding the laws, how to handle situations should they arise,
gun/ammunition types, gun selection, and most importantly safety. I would recommend this class to anyone from the the most seasoned of gun owners to the
novice who has never even held a gun before. Rick showed us proper shooting stances and techniques and the best ways to optimize accuracy. He also will stop
right away to answer any questions that may come up. For all of these reasons and more, Rick will be my first stop for all of my self defense needs. Thanks
Rick!!!"- Mr. Dave B., Clawson, Oakland County, Michigan

"If you are even thinking about carrying a concealed weapon for personal protection, Rick's class is the absolute
first step you need to take in preparing. You will learn everything you need to know to protect yourself -- not only with your concealed pistol, but also
from the authorities if you should ever have the unfortunate circumstance to use your weapon in self-defense. You will get the necessary legal information
to know how to respond to the police and what to say and what not to say to the 911 operator if you should have to make that call. Rick doesn't take shortcuts.
Rick and his associates take the necessary time to show you the proper way to clear and handle a firearm. Take the class, you will be glad you did! Thanks for
all you are doing! Regards,"- Mr. D. Schmidt, Clinton Twp., Macomb County, Michigan

"Hey Rick! I want to thank you for providing such a vital service to the community. Everyone who cares about their
safety and their freedom needs to be educated on how best to secure both, and I can't think of anyone better equipped to teach them than you. Your class was
very informative, and as the instructor you were very knowledgeable on every aspect of gun ownership and usage and very patient with the many questions I asked-
and had a ready answer for all of them! I would certainly - and have already- suggest anybody looking for a CPL go to you first."- Mr.
B. Tilley, Eastpointe, Macomb County, Michigan 48021

"Rick, Thanks for providing me this opportunity, it was very informative and I would definitely recommend your class to
others. Take care!"- Ms. M. Woods, Southfield, Oakland County, Michigan 48034

"As an attorney and just as a regular citizen of Michigan, I cannot say enough good things about Rick's Firearm Academy.
Rick Ector and his other instructors provided excellent training and instruction and managed to make a normally dry subject interesting and entertaining. They
were patient, knowledgeable, skilled, and talented in communicating important information about gun safety, personal protection, and security. I learned a lot
from Rick Ector and his staff. The info is extremely useful to my every day life, as I try to protect myself. I was so impressed with Rick and his staff that I
intend to take more courses from Rick's Firearm Academy. I am very lucky to have learned about Rick's Firearm Academy, which should be a must for all Michigan
residents. Rick Ector and his staff know their stuff and turned a day of training and instruction on rules - regarding firearm safety and concealed pistol
licenses - into an interesting experience that benefited me and my safety. I will take the valuable information they imparted to me into my everyday life as I
try to make myself more secure from crime and threats. Well, worth the money. In fact, it's a bargain."- Ms. D. Schlussel,
Attorney-At-Law, Southfield, Oakland County, Michigan 48034

"Hello Rick, I just wanted to inform you how insightful your CPL class was. Not only did you and Damian educate me
better on the usage of a firearm but you also helped me with being aware of my surroundings and how I am approached by strangers as well. I am in the sales and
marketing profession for an aluminum manufacturer. I am often in rural and industrial areas and I am much more comfortable after taking your class. I now have
better firearm knowledge, know the difference of taking cover, and have knowledge of when it is illegal to shoot when you have been victimized. I have
recommended your class to most of my friends who have an interest; some have handled firearms, but they will find that they too need to take your class. I
have every intention to stay in contact for additional training and updates. Thanks again. Regards,"- Mr. M. Jackson, Sales and
Marketing Executive, Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan 48206

"Hey! I just wanted to let u know that I really enjoyed your class and since then I've referred a few of my co-workers
to participate just this past month and they also enjoyed themselves and learned a whole about carrying a concealed weapon. Expect more of my coworkers to take
the class. On behalf of me and Wayne County Roads keep up the Great Work!!! :-))"- Ms. D. Montgomery, Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan
48235